Expat gets govt healthcare cash

The first expatriate to make a claim under the new compulsory social insurance scheme for foreigners received a 70 percent reimbursement of medical fees in Chaoyang district, said human resource company China International Intellectech Corp (CIIC) yesterday.

According to a notice issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security in September, from October 15, foreigners working in China and their employers should pay contributions to cover a pension scheme, health care and unemployment benefits.

The measures are made "with a view to securing the legitimate rights and interests of foreigners working within the territory of China to social insurance participation and benefits in accordance with the law, as well as strengthening social insurance administration," the notice said.

In this case, the expatriate, surnamed Wang, paid up front for his treatment. He then handed in documents, including receipts and prescriptions to CIIC, the outsourcing company in charge of the insurance issues for Wang's employer, on February 8.

On Tuesday, Wang's claim was settled at the medical insurance management center in Chaoyang district.

Wang was reimbursed 1,315 yuan ($209) out of a total expenditure of 3,681 yuan. The regulation says that if a patient's medical expenses exceed 1,800 yuan, the scheme will refund 70 percent of the part that is over 1,800 yuan.

"Wang was the first foreigner who claimed for and obtained reimbursement in Chaoyang district," said Du Yun, a publicity employee at CIIC.

"The procedures for expats to claim reimbursement are the same as for Chinese employees," Du said. The medical insurance management centers will only accept claims made by companies rather than individuals.

Employers are required to register the names of their foreign employees for social security insurance within 30 days after issuing their work permit.

However, several months after the policy began, many expats are still confused about what benefits they can get from the social insurance scheme.

Adrien Laborie, a Frenchman employed in the international business department of a Chinese company, said his feelings about the service are "really complex, even after my company's explanation."

"So far, I have been informed how much [maximum] the social insurance is going to cost me every month," said Laborie, "I'll start paying on March 5. However, as the payment is retroactive, I'll have to pay from last October."

The contribution is a percentage of salary. It will vary slightly, but in Beijing, the maximum for foreign workers will be around 1,200 yuan a month.

This is calculated as a percentage of a monthly income of 12,6o3 yuan, three times the average Beijing salary. Income over this level will therefore not be taxed; however the majority of expats earn more than this.

The employer's contribution is much more, 30 to 40 percent, and will be around 4,000 yuan a month, according to social security ministry figures.

According to Laborie, foreign private insurance is still best for foreigners in Beijing, as it will cover 100 percent of expenses, although it may cost the patient much more money every month.

"If I want to receive a premium service from a clinic, I'll also receive a premium bill," he said.

In Laborie's opinion, most foreigners would probably not choose to go to local hospitals because of the language barriers, the long queues and complex procedures, especially if they have a medical emergency.

For Laborie's social insurance, his company chooses the hospitals for him.

"In future, I will go to the appointed hospitals, as I want to get refunded what I can, although I know that there will be a big part that will come from my own pocket."

In Beijing, there are 19 A-level hospitals, including the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Chaoyang district, on the appointed hospital lists for social insurance.

At present, there are almost 30,000 expatriates working in Beijing, according to the figure from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security.